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Camberwell

Introduction

Overview of Camberwell

Camberwell is a suburb in south-east London, England. It is part of the borough of Southwark.

Geography and Climate

  • Location: Camberwell is situated about 3 miles southeast of central London.
  • Area: The area has an area of approximately 2.4 square kilometres (0.93 sq mi).
  • Elevation: The average elevation in the area is around 40 metres (131 feet) above sea level.

History

  • Ancient History: Camberwell was originally a small settlement with several houses and a church.
  • Medieval Period: In the medieval period, Camberwell became a significant commercial centre due to its proximity to London and the River Thames.
  • Victorian Era: During the Victorian era, many of the buildings in Camberwell were constructed during this time. The area experienced rapid growth in population and development.

Significant Contributions

  • Camberwell is home to several notable institutions:
    • University College London (UCL) - a public research university founded by Prince Albert.
    • University of London (ULC) - the largest university in the United Kingdom, located across the road from UCL.
    • The British Library - one of the world's greatest libraries.

Notable Attractions

  • Camberwell Museum: A museum showcasing the history and culture of the area.
  • Camberwell High Street: Known for its high-end shopping and dining options.
  • St. Mary's Church: A beautiful church dating back to the 15th century.
  • Camberwell Park: A large public park with walking trails, a lake, and various recreational facilities.

Historical Context

  • The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence of Stone Age settlements in the nearby woods.
  • During the Roman era, Camberwell was an important centre for trade and commerce.
  • In the 17th and 18th centuries, many wealthy merchants and traders lived in Camberwell, leading to a significant influx of new residents.

Notable People

  • The writer Philip Larkin: Larkin lived in Camberwell from 1927 until his death in 1985.
  • The artist John Constable: Constable was born and raised in nearby Greenwich but grew up in Camberwell.

Key Facts

Population and Demographics

2019 Census Data:

  • Population: approximately 43,000

Metadata:

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-02 10:11:21
  • Keywords: Camberwell, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/camberwell